5 Reasons To Give Yourself Grace (And Kick Mom Guilt to the Curb)

September 13, 2021 3 min read

Giving yourself grace….it’s sort of a loaded phrase, isn’t it? We live in a society that is so hard on moms. The daily expectations are high and that village we were told that we should have while raising our children, where is it? No matter how supportive our partners are, there is still so much that falls on our shoulders and we all know that it’s a heavy weight to bear.

Can we also talk about those mixed signals that come from every direction that we look? We’re supposed to practice self care on a daily basis, but are scolded by society as being “too lavish” if we take time away to get a massage or have a weekly standing nail appointment. We are constantly told that “breast is best” (we know, we get this by now) however breastfeeding in public is a huge no-no. And of course: don’t forget to add kale, a dollop of organic coconut oil, and sugar-free everything to all of your children’s meals.

It’s exhausting. I’m exhausted just typing it out.

The pressure on moms of every age is real, making it no surprise at all that “mom guilt” is such a huge topic of conversation among moms. However, it’s a term that dads don't really ever consider, making it even more aggravating.

5 Reasons To Give Yourself Grace

In case you needed the reminder, because I’m sure you do, stop being so hard on yourself, drop the comparison game, and give yourself a pat on the back for all the hard work you do. Here are 5 solid reasons to give yourself some grace, mama, and finally kick mom guilt to the curb where it belongs.

1. You are dealing with life-changing circumstances.

Repeat that one louder for the people in the back: you are dealing with life-changing circumstances.Having a baby has put your body, your hormones, and your whole life, into a complete tailspin. No matter how much you read up on motherhood, how much good intentioned advice you get from your mom friends, nothing can prepare you for what your body is experiencing physically, mentally, and emotionally. And to add to the madness: this can be different for each child that you have.

If there is one reason only that you need to give yourself grace and stop beating yourself up, it is this one.

2. You are working the equivalent to 2.5 full time jobs.

A recent study shared that motherhood is the equivalent to working 2.5 jobs. Digest that stat right there for a second. This does not even count if you also work inside or outside the home. You are busy. You are tired. You are trying to remember what day it is so that you don’t miss pediatrician appointments. You have a lot on your plate - don’t lose sight of that.

3. You are trying your very best.

Some days you might feel like super mom, some days you might stay in your pajamas all day. Both versions of yourself is 100% okay because no matter what, you are trying your very best. That is all the matters.

4. You are a superhero to your family.

Moms have this amazing ability to multitask and accomplish things with such vigor, which is why they also make some of the absolute best employees. Moms know how to get things done and get them done right, while working with limited time constrains and little sleep. We are all superheroes.

I’m sure that there are people outside of your family that admire you, too. We all just don’t speak up and share these thoughts nearly enough as we should. (Let this be your reminder to give a fellow mom pal a compliment today!) I bet that on the days you are feeling the most inadequate that there is another mama out there thinking about how much of a rockstar you are.